Author: V. K. Pipes

  • STANWELL 71 REGD

    Denmark, 1960s An old and well-preserved Stanwell pipe that we can date fairly accurately. The registration number 969-48 was obtained by the company in 1948, and Stanwell pipes were marked with it until the early 1970s. At the same time, the crowned S on the mouthpiece appeared around 1960, so the pipe can be safely…

  • COMOY’S Royal 185

    England, 1950-70s The Comoy’s Royal grade is both one of the oldest and one of the rarest to date. Royal Comoy pipes appeared in the late 1930s and were then considered the absolute highest grade. However, very soon, the Royal pipes were replaced by the Blue Ribband series. After the Second World War the Royal…

  • DUNHILL Bruyere 60

    England, 1960s Evidently, this pipe has endured a challenging and turbulent journey throughout its biography. Beyond the customary cleaning, deoxidation, and polishing, considerable effort was invested in sanding and mending numerous scratches and dents on the bowl, carefully repairing a tooth mark on the stem, and securing two shank cracks with a nickel band. Though…

  • JAMES UPSHALL Tilshead 6

    England, 1984-96 An eye-catching and unique, large and capacious pipe, meticulously designed by the former top Charatan carver, Barry Jones, for the esteemed James Upshall Pipe Company. This exceptional creation seamlessly combines high-quality briar with a mesmerizing grain, skillfully carved into an alluring shape. Our estimation places this pipe between 1984 and 1996, as evidenced…

  • BBB two star 188

    England, 1930-50s According to Pipedia, “Two Star” BBB pipes were considered entry-level devices in the 1930s, catering to the practical and budget-conscious mass-market smoker. Nevertheless, the pipe we proudly offer today stands out as a truly unique and attractive piece with its exceptionally rare and elegantly refined pickaxe shape, exuding an overall impeccable condition. Our…

  • SER JACOPO R1

    Italy This may not be the most valuable Ser Jacopo pipe we have ever showcased, but its allure lies in its convenient and comfortable shape, masterful rustication, and, of course, the prestigious name it bears. Judging by the dotted logo on the mouthpiece, it belongs to the period between 1983 and 1997, an “early” Ser…

  • JEAN LACROIX Maitre-Pipier Diamant Major 2

    France “Maitre Pipier” is not a brand solely owned by a particular manufacturer; instead, it serves as a distinguished appellation utilized by renowned French artisans and manufacturers like Butz-Choquin, Chacom, Ropp, Jean Chretin, Jean Lacroix, and others. They employ this prestigious marking to showcase their most captivating and finest pipes, epitomizing their exceptional craftsmanship. The…

  • SUNALP

    Denmark, 1980s At first sight, the pipe appears to be a part of the illustrious “Danish Golden era” freehands, standing proudly alongside the likes of Preben Holm, Karl Erik, and Holtorp creations. And indeed, this initial impression seems warranted, as the nomenclature reads “SUNALP \ HANDCUT DENMARK.” However, our investigations led us to an interesting…